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How to Get to Tasikmalaya

How to Get to Tasikmalaya

Tasikmalaya West Java, Indonesia Travel Guide

Air Travel Insights

Airport Connections

Tasikmalaya has a small local airport, Wiriadinata Airport (TSY), with limited domestic routes. Most international travelers arrive via larger hubs like Bandung or Jakarta.

Major Airports

  • Wiriadinata Airport (TSY), Tasikmalaya: Small domestic airport.
  • Husein Sastranegara International Airport (BDO), Bandung: 3-4 hours drive.
  • Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK), Jakarta: Main international gateway, 4-6 hours drive.

Flight Details & Transfers

No direct international flights operate to TSY or BDO from major global hubs. International travelers typically fly into Jakarta (CGK) then connect via land transport or domestic flight.

Transfer Options

  • From TSY: Taxis, Gojek/Grab, or pre-arranged hotel transfers.
  • From BDO: Private car, transport services, train to Tasikmalaya station, or intercity bus.
  • From CGK: Private car, train to Jakarta city then connect to Tasikmalaya, or domestic flight to BDO/TSY.

Flight Price Fluctuations

Domestic flight prices fluctuate, notably during peak holidays. Booking in advance is a good choice.

Finding Deals

Services like Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner help find affordable flights.

Airport Facilities

CGK (Jakarta) offers comprehensive international facilities. TSY (Tasikmalaya) has core services.

Booking Your Flights

Domestic Airlines

  • Citilink and Susi Air operate limited flights to TSY.
  • Citilink, Lion Air, Batik Air, Indonesia AirAsia, Garuda Indonesia fly to BDO.
  • Book in advance for better prices, especially during holidays.
  • Check current schedules as routes can change.

International Connections

  • Fly into Jakarta (CGK) from most global hubs.
  • Connect to Tasikmalaya via land transport or domestic flight out of CGK.
  • Plan your onward journey from Jakarta in your itinerary.
  • Consider peak holiday seasons like Eid al-Fitr for higher prices.

Onward Journey Planning

From TSY

Taxis, online ride-sharing, or pre-arranged hotel transfers connect to the city quickly.

From BDO Bandung

Shuttle services ("travel" vans), trains, or buses offer routes to Tasikmalaya.

From CGK Jakarta

Airport train to Jakarta city then connect by train/bus, or private car hire.

Land Transportation Options

Train Travel

Tasikmalaya Station (TSM) is served by Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI). It connects to Bandung, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and other cities on the Java rail network.

Train Services

  • Connections to major cities across Java.
  • Classes: Economy, Business, or Executive (comfortable seating, AC).
  • Book using KAI Access app, KAI website, or platforms like Traveloka.

Bus Services

Tasikmalaya Bus Terminal (Terminal Tipe A Indihiang) serves numerous routes across Java. Frequent buses connect to Bandung, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and other major cities.

Bus Companies & Classes

  • Companies: Primajasa, Budiman, Doa Ibu, Gapuraning Rahayu.
  • Classes: Ekonomi (basic), AC Ekonomi, Bisnis, Eksekutif (most comfortable).
  • Extensive routes across Java, a popular transport choice.

Self-Driving & Car Rentals

Renting a car offers flexibility, but consider local driving conditions. An International Driving Permit (IDP) with your national driver's license is necessary. Main roads are generally paved, but rural roads vary.

Driving Considerations

  • IDP alongside national driver's license.
  • Traffic can be heavy; local driving style is aggressive.
  • Renting a car with a driver is often a practical, stress-free choice.

Road Conditions & Safety

Roads are generally safe during the day, but caution is necessary due to shared lanes with motorcycles, unpredictable turns, and occasional livestock. Night driving outside urban areas can be challenging due to poor lighting and unmarked hazards.

Road Safety Tips

  • Use Google Maps or Waze for navigation; remain vigilant.
  • Be mindful of motorcycles and unpredictable movements.
  • Parking is available at most hotels and attractions.

Important Land Travel Notes

  • Tasikmalaya is a city not on the coast, so no international land borders are relevant.
  • Driving yourself is not recommended except if you are a proficient driver in Southeast Asian conditions.
  • Roads are generally safe during the day, but caution is necessary.
  • Main roads connecting major cities are generally paved and in decent condition.
  • For car rentals, check DiscoverCars.com for options.
  • Night driving outside urban areas is challenging due to poor lighting.

Departure Information

Airport Departures

No specific "exit fees" exist for departing Indonesia via air or sea ports; airlines usually integrate these into your ticket price.

Departure Timing

  • For international flights (CGK/BDO): Arrive 2-3 hours prior.
  • For domestic flights (CGK/BDO/TSY): Arrive 1.5-2 hours prior.
  • This allows ample time for check-in, security, and immigration.

Train & Bus Departures

Plan your departure from Tasikmalaya as carefully as your getting to avoid any last-minute stress. Allow enough time for transfers to stations or terminals.

Station Departures

  • For train/bus from Tasikmalaya: Arrive 30-60 minutes prior to departure.
  • This provides time to find your platform and settle in.
  • Tasikmalaya Train Station/Bus Terminal offer basic waiting areas and food stalls.

Bandung Airport BDO

Features shops, food outlets, and waiting common rooms for departing travelers.

Jakarta Airport CGK

Provides extensive facilities including duty-free, lounges, diverse food, and currency exchange.

Tasikmalaya Stations

Basic amenities are available at the two train station and bus terminal.

Getting Around Tasikmalaya

Public Transport

Tasikmalaya's public transport system, though more casualized, offers effective local travel. Angkots (shared minibuses) operate on fixed routes, a common and affordable way to travel. Ojeks (motorcycle taxis) are quicker for single passengers, especially in traffic, and navigate smaller streets efficiently.

Public Transport Tips

  • Angkot fares are fixed, pay directly to the driver.
  • For ojeks, negotiate the fare before starting if not using an app.
  • Have small change ready for angkot fares (IDR 4,000-10,000).

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Ride-sharing apps offer convenience and see-through pricing, making them a popular choice. Gojek and Get are highly recommended and widely used for both motorcycle (GoRide/GrabBike) and car (GoCar/GrabCar) services.

Ride-Sharing Benefits

  • Transparent pricing, fixed and displayed in-app.
  • Driver tracking and customer support for enhanced safety.
  • Available for various services beyond transport (meal delivery, etc.).

Rental Options

Car Rentals

Requires an International Driving Permit (IDP). Renting with a driver is often recommended.

Motorcycle Rentals

Widely available; IDP and helmet are mandatory. Only for experienced drivers.

Bicycle Rentals

Limited availability, some hotels may offer them for discovering the vicinity.

Local Navigation

When taking an Angkot, know your destination or a nearby landmark. Tell the driver where you want to go. To get off, shout "Kiri!" (Left!) and the Angkot will typically pull over to the left side of the road.